Galahad at Blandings
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 1964-12-31 |
| Founder | P. G. Wodehouse |
| Products | Novel |
Galahad at Blandings is a novel authored by P. G. Wodehouse, initially released in the United States on 31 December 1964 by Simon & Schuster, Inc. in New York, under the title The Brinkmanship of Galahad Threepwood. The book was subsequently published in the United Kingdom on 26 August 1965 by Herbert Jenkins, London.
This work represents the ninth full-length installment in the Blandings Castle series and revisits the engagement saga of American tycoon Tipton Plimsoll and Veronica Wedge, characters first introduced seventeen years earlier in Full Moon. The plot unfolds in the early 1930s, shortly following the Wall Street Crash of 1929.
Plot summary
The narrative opens with Tipton Plimsoll and his English companion Wilfred Allsop being arrested for public intoxication in New York City. Their release is secured by Wilfred’s uncle, Clarence, Earl of Emsworth. Tipton, having had his wallet stolen, mistakenly informs Emsworth that he has "lost all his money," a misunderstanding that quickly reaches Colonel Egbert Wedge and Lady Hermione Wedge, parents of Veronica, who is engaged to Tipton.
At Blandings Castle, Galahad Threepwood contends with Sandy Callender, who has been employed as Emsworth’s secretary at Lady Hermione’s insistence. Sandy’s former fiancé Sam Bagshott approaches seeking £700 to refurbish his ancestral property. Although their initial meeting is unsuccessful, Gally invites Sam to Blandings under the pseudonym Augustus Whipple, portraying him as a pig expert and author of Emsworth’s cherished book.
Convinced that Tipton has been financially devastated by the stock market crash, Lady Hermione urges Veronica to end the engagement through a letter. When Tipton arrives at Blandings bearing an £8000 diamond necklace for Veronica, Colonel Wedge recognizes the confusion and requests Gally to intercept Veronica’s letter—a task Gally accepts. Subsequently, Gally pressures Hermione to permit Sam to remain at Blandings; eventually, Sandy and Sam reconcile.
Emsworth discovers and hands over the breakup letter to Tipton. Gally comforts Tipton by explaining its insincerity, leading to a double wedding for both couples. Hermione reveals Sam’s deceit, criticizes Emsworth’s stewardship of Blandings, and departs. Gally persuades Emsworth to provide Sam with the funds he requires.
Publication history
The initial US edition featured a dust jacket illustrated by John Alcorn, while the first UK edition showcased cover art by "Payne". The American version, titled The Brinkmanship of Galahad Threepwood, carries a dedication to literary agent Scott Meredith.
Reception
Biographer Richard Usborne observed that even in his later years, Wodehouse continued to devise intricate plots but resolved them with remarkable speed.
Adaptations
In 1992, this novel was adapted into a four-part radio drama as part of the Blandings series. Additionally, the inaugural season of the Blandings television adaptation included an episode named "Problems with Drink", based on Galahad at Blandings, which was broadcast on 17 February 2013.
References
- Notes
- Sources
External links
- The Russian Wodehouse Society's page providing a comprehensive list of characters
- Fantastic Fiction's page containing information on editions, cover images, and purchasing options